WAITING times for drug treatment services in Runcorn and Widnes are among the lowest in the North West, a new report has revealed.

The report from the National Treatment Agency says Halton's Drug Action Team, the 5 Boroughs Partnership, Arch Initiatives and AddAction have worked hard to improve awareness about support services available to addicts and their families.

Drug workers have commissioned agencies to work with users in Halton and ran advertising campaigns to publicise their services. This month open days are being held in both towns to inform people of the wide range of services on offer.

A spokesman said: 'The myth surrounding drug treatment services is that service users will have to wait months following a referral before they actually start receiving treatment.

'In reality, waiting times in Halton are lower than most. On average it takes less than two weeks to be referred for treatment.

'In urgent cases, where perhaps there are real concerns about a person's health, individuals can be seen within days.'

Steve Eastwood, Halton's Drug Action Team coordinator, added: 'We see this as a key motivator for people seeking treatment and also an invaluable contribution to reducing crime in Halton.'

Meanwhile, the Government has announced a new crackdown on drugs in the North West.

A key element of the programme is drug testing for all individuals charged with certain 'trigger' offences in a bid to further link drug use with crime.

And more drug dealers will be put behind bars and police encouraged to smash drug dens in the region.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: 'The misery caused by drug misuse must never be underestimated. It damages the health of individuals, ruins the communities they live in and turns law-abiding citizens into thieves, including from their own families. The costs to society are enormous.